'No strength of nature can suffice' (hymn) written by Wiliam Cowper

No strength of nature can suffice

To serve the Lord aright;

And what she has she misapplies,

For want of clearer light.


How long beneath the law I lay,

In bondage and distress!

I toiled the precept to obey,

But toiled without success.


[Then to abstain from outward sin

Was more than I could do;

Now, if I feel its power within,

I feel I hate it too.]


[Then all my servile works were done

A righteousness to raise;

Now, freely chosen in the Son,

I freely choose his ways.]


What shall I do, was then the word,

That I may worthier grow,

What shall I render to the Lord?

Is my inquiry now.


To see the law by Christ fulfilled,

And hear his pardoning voice,

Changes a slave into a child,

And duty into choice.


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